Disney in December?

[Big Kid in Alabama]

After going to Disney the last 4 years in July, my wife and I would like to try December. Specifically, between Christmas and New Years. At least I won't have to carry a sweat towel around all day. What are the crowds like this week? The weather? Can you wear shorts? Pools? Any help is appreciated.

2007 - Port Orleans Riverside
2008 - Pop Century
2009 - All Star Movies
2010 - Pop Century
2011 - Probably Pop Century

 

[jennyleettu]

We went last year at the begining of December and it was nice...it rained a couple of days which I was told is not normal. We are used to cooler temps so DH was able to wear shorts the majority of the time, my niece and DD wore pants or dresses and carried jackets with them. It did cool off during the evenings but nothing that a light jacket wouldn't handle, at least for us! Our local friends were in sweaters and thought it was "freezing" LOL!!

We also went swimming one afternoon with out any trouble at all...it was a little chilly getting out of the pool but it didn't seem to bother the girls or DH!

Not sure about the crowds but I think it's one of the busier times for that time of year.

 

[ccgirl]

I did a lot or research trying to figure out the best time to go in December. The week before Christmas and New Years is very crowded as in parks closed to capacity crowded. I find during school vacation weeks the crowds are just too much for us.

They do keep the pool heated year round so the pool water will be warm.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[pooh4evr]

I think that is the busiest week of the year- we have gone 2 times in the middle of the month (9-19 &10-20th) and it has been perfect, low crowds, nice weather and all the fun Christmas stuff without the huge crowds- the closer you get to christmas the more crowded it becomes, I think last yr 3 of the parks closed at different times on different days because of crowds. yes it is cooler, but weather is very iffy - we had some hot days when the kids swam at night and we have also had some cold nights - gloves and hats -

As for the parks closing yes it can happen that week, it closes in stages though I would recommend a park hopper so you can easily escape to another park if needed.. The decorations are great my favorite is the osborne Lights ! Good Luck an have fun!

 

[hibricc]

We actually went last year between Christmas and New Year's, and yes, according to all reports, it's the busiest week of the year. But it can be done! (In fact, we're planning to return at the same time this year!)

Buy a copy of the Unofficial Guide, and memorize their daily recommendations for "Best Park" and "Parks to Avoid". We followed that to the letter, and while it sure was crowded, we had no trouble doing everything we wanted. It is particularly important during peak times to HAVE A PLAN, and ADJUST YOUR EXPECTATIONS (lines will be long - expect it and accept it). Look at it this way: large crowds are the price you pay for the extra magic of the holidays at Disney!

We stayed into the first week of January, and the parks were considerably less crowded after New Year's - probably also due to record low temps that week. We had driven down from New England, so we simply pulled our winter coats and gloves out of the car, and we were ready for the parks!